The Controversial Mr. Kubrick

Inarguably one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Stanley Kubrick did much more than just leave his stylistic mark on the medium. He was a fearless, social commentator and visionary as well. Stylistically, his films stand as some of the most beautiful and interesting works in all of cinema. Having worked as a photographer at a young age, Kubrick was especially aware of such things as composition, lighting, lenses, etc., and brought his demanding technical standards with him to filmmaking. All of his films are meticulously composed and shot, with attention to even the smallest details. Some in the industry considered him difficult and a harsh taskmaster, but Kubrick's refusal to accept anything but excellence are what make his films endure. He challenged both his actors and his audiences all throughout his career. He worked in a variety of genres and, more often than not, the subject matter he chose to deal with was controversial. He understood the power of film and used it to explore social issues and human psychology, oftentimes focusing on the more deviant aspects, as in the film A Clockwork Orange. In the AC article, A Look At A Clockwork Orange (1971), author ZeN describes himself as being conflicted and confused, "wondering what the point was." Although Stanley Kubrick's films may raise as many questions as they answer, they are always thought provoking and, as with A Clockwork Orange, could even portend major shifts or behavioral changes within society. 

In A Clockwork Orange, Kubrick adapts the Anthony Burgess novel to the screen. The story, one of a youth subculture of "ultraviolence" (gangs essentially), and its effects on civilized society has a currency even today that seems downright prophetic. The ruthlessness of the gangmembers and their indifference to the human misery they cause, all in the name of profit and self-amusement, is frighteningly prescient in light of the widespread gang activity today.